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Tucson’s chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation is calling on the community to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities by participating in Monday’s "Day Without Immigrants" protest.

People in communities across the United States are staying home from work or school as part of the protests, which aim to highlight the vital role immigrants play in the U.S. economy and society.

In Tucson, PSL and other groups, including the University of Arizona’s chapter of Students for Socialism, will gather at Reid Park at 5 p.m. for a rally and march to demand full rights and protections for all immigrants.

Groups participating in the protests hope to send a unified message against policies that negatively impact immigrant communities. PSL Tucson is urging people to take a stand against immigration policies that benefit billionaires and far-right groups at the expense of working-class communities.

The event at Reid Park will feature speakers, activists, and community leaders advocating for immigrant rights. Protesters will carry signs in opposition to ICE enforcement and in support of immigrants’ rights to remain in the country.

In addition to the demonstration, organizers will provide attendees with essential information about their rights if confronted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Participants will learn how to handle encounters with ICE agents and understand the legal protections available to them.

This is the second nationwide "Day Without Immigrants" protest since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, amidst renewed debates over immigration policy. Recent executive orders by the Trump administration have targeted asylum seekers and birthright citizenship, and the shutdown of the CBP One App, which previously allowed migrants to request asylum legally, has further fueled concerns among immigrant communities and advocates.

On February 3, people were encouraged to skip work or school in organized protests across the United States, concentrated largely in states like California and Texas, with high concentrations of immigrant workers.

In some cities, the impact was notable. The Dallas Morning News reported that more than 25% of students in the Dallas Independent School District missed school that day.

Organizers hope that Tucson residents will come together to show solidarity and send a powerful message about the importance of immigrant rights.

“Student protesters and activists have always been one of the driving forces in movements for justice,” Jocelyn, a member of the UA chapter of Students for Socialism, said in an Instagram reel promoting Monday's events. “Let’s flood the streets and show Tucson that this fight cannot be ignored.”

Students for Socialism is the student affiliate of PSL Tucson and the national chapter.

Groups participating in the protests say the demonstration is a crucial step in the ongoing fight for dignity and justice for all immigrants.

“Our strength as students comes from our organization and unity. Together, we can fight against the attacks on immigrant rights,” Students for Socialism member Arian said in the reel. “Student voices are essential because they threaten the system that oppresses us all.”

Immigrants play a vital role in Arizona’s economy, particularly in industries like agriculture and construction. Organizers say protests like these are a powerful reminder of the indispensable contributions these communities make to the state's prosperity.

Immigration is not just an economic issue but a deeply personal one for many in Arizona. Over 250,000 residents live in mixed-status households, where at least one family member is undocumented.

This makes the fight for fair immigration policies especially relevant, as it directly impacts the lives and futures of countless families.

Tucson has long been a center for immigration activism, with Monday's event just another recent example of community members' commitment to supporting immigrants.

Since the election, groups across Pima County have been hosting "Know Your Rights" sessions, and an increasing number of businesses offering printed cards that can help people assert their rights and defend themselves if approached by ICE agents.

There have also been several local demonstrations in solidarity with Tucson's immigrant communities. On Valentine's Day, hundreds of University of Arizona students and faculty took to the mall in protest of what they called the anti-immigrant, anti-worker billionaire agenda carried out by Trump's administration.

Many members of the UA community are concerned about ICE raids on campus, with groups like PSL and UA Students for Socialism saying that the school's administration has failed to establish safeguards for their rights.

Angelina Maynes is a University of Arizona alum and reporter with Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at angelinamaynes@arizona.edu.

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